Books about life and death, for teens

Safiya must uncover the truth of her mother’s history to help her survive the present. A beautifully written and page-turning read, set in London and Kuwait, that deals with changing friendships, family dynamics and learning how to say goodbye. 

In Chicago, a white police officer shoots and kills black 12-year-old Jerome, mistaking his toy gun for a real one. As a ghost, young Jerome witnesses the aftermath of his death. A beautiful and tragic book that unfortunately feels very necessary.

When teenager Ross Fell is killed, his closest friends are horrified by the sham and hypocrisy of his funeral.

Connor’s mum has cancer and life is changing. There is the nightmare, then there is school, where people avoid him, or persecute him. And then there is the immense, mythic Monster.

Alcohol addiction, non-traditional families, bereavement and social inequality are just some of the themes in this unusual coming-of-age story about trying to find the right way to help others and make a difference in the world.

Written in verse, Long Way Down is breathtakingly gripping and spectacular. You almost read it without breathing; the action is so tense, the language so powerful. Give it to every teenager you know!

Petula’s life is ruled by anxiety, fear and pessimism after her little sister died two years before. Then she meets Jacob, and an unconventional love story unfolds. Another five star read from Susin Nielsen: one of the most talented teen writers working today.

David Almond returns to deliver a powerful story centring around the acceptance of loss of one’s childhood after a parent’s death and the journey towards adulthood, which is portrayed beautifully in this coming-of-age novel.

Told through the eyes of ten-year-old Jamie, My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece sensitively tackles issues around grief, terrorism, racism and bullying.

Fourteen-year-old Hudson has Asperger’s Syndrome, and knows his brain works differently. This entertaining and thought-provoking story reveals that there is more than one way of looking at life and its problems.

McKay’s life on the South Crongton Estate is rough. His Mum has died, his Dad works all hours of the day to keep away the Bailiffs, and his brother is always out looking for trouble.

John Green tackles the subject of teenage cancer with sensitivity in this witty, life-affirming young adult romance.

Jem and Kai have always been best friends – until Kai commits suicide and Jem’s world collapses.